I previously had an X3 Live and the Variax 500 was able to update firmware and all was well. I just got an HD500 and got it updated through Monkey and went to hook up the Variax to it and the firmware update failed.

I received error "Flash Memory, Variax update failed. error code 8000900C MIDI device timed out waiting for a response. Try the update again, making sure all the cables are connected."

The HD500 reset correctly, but the Variax doesn't make the tones that "pierrehurtubise" mentioned in his post about resetting the variax. On mine I get a High-Low-High sequence tone as I first plug the Cat cable in and pull up the tone selector knob (with pickup selector in position 2 (from bridge).

Please advise on how I can get the Variax to update in order to use it. I removed the battery from the back and even checked the connections to the electronics on the back of the Variax. I can't think of any reason why it won't update. Thanks

Update, I have support tickets open with L6 - but they say my variax is toast and I should just buy another used Variax off Ebay. Since they don't have parts to replace for my V500, it's useless to take my guitar to a local authorized shop at $65/hr for nothing. Monkey sees the V500 connected to my HD500, but never completes the flash giving the midi error 8000900c timeout. I am bitterly disappointed and since my variax is essentially bricked, I may have to install regular magnetic pickups and rewire to make useable. I can play it unplugged, otherwise it makes a good doorstop/paperweight.

I just want to put in here (not that anyone is reading this nor my other 2 entries) that once your Line 6 device becomes out of warranty or a legacy product - don't expect too much support from.......

Actually, I think that is pretty much standard from electronic equipment manufacturers - not only Line 6. Of course the Variax 500 is essentially a computer; and like any computer it becomes outdated and (eventually) fails. When manufacturers move products to legacy status they stop receiving updates and eventually are no longer supported (think Power PC in the Mac world). Your Variax 500 is still supported - but not under warranty. You could get it fixed at an authorized service centre, but as Line 6 suggested you would be better off (i.e. it would be cheaper) to simply buy a working one.

The newer series of Variax guitars (JTV) include mag pickups so it won't become a paperweight when (eventually) its electronics fail. If that happens before it becomes a legacy product then I expect Line 6 will still be supporting it very well.

I'm not going to buy or trade for a JTV. I won't be investing that much money in something that will ultimately fail and get the old "Tough luck , dude!" from support. I have had several Line 6 products and none besides the V500 have outright failed. I don't believe I'll be buying/trading for any more Line 6 stuff in the future. I basically set fire to money and that's not a habit I intend to continue. Thanks.

Wow, nothing like being a little callous to others in need, huh? Be nice if someone who had spare parts (Line 6 claims they do not) to repair it (taking to local repair shop won't be able to get parts if L6 has none - so that is moot), would offer to do so.

sorry dude... you made your feelings known... noone can get you parts, so i'm not sure how else you expect to be responded to....

if it matters remotely... i wish they had parts for the older variaxes as well as the older vetta amps... both were expensive in their day and both do not have aftermarket equivilents... i know many users who would be happy to have parts... but then they would complain that the parts are expensive... as they would be since you'd have to pay for the warehousing in the cost... at a certain point the cost of parts is more than the cost of replacement. the same is even true for the common television.

yes to the electric models. the difference is the 300 has anactual harness that goes to the mother board from the pickup pcb under the bridge. not sure about the 500. the 700 and i believe the 600 have a ribbon cable so on the mother board youll have to check that connector to see if its the same..

i cant help you on that one. ive never seen the acoustic board . i would guess it would be a version of the same board but without seeing it i couldnt tell you if it would even fit in place.

funny thing though i saw one from either an amp or pedal board that looked similar in configuratoin to the 300 i had . but not exactly.. keep an eye on ebay .. ive seen them there from time to time why someone would part it out though vs selling the guitar would make me suspicious.

honestly i think your best bet is if you really feel you have to have a variax. then getone off ebay and save the parts from the one you have now.